Soccer Books

Neil · 10-28-2004, 08:45 PM

Has anyone read any good books relating to the fabulous sport of soccer?

I've read "Beckham" which is an obvious players autobiography. It was a good read if I do say so myself and it was nice to read an inside account of some of the events I watched unfold over the years.

I have been looking at "Fever Pitch" lately but haven't picked it up. Anyone know if it's any good?

clarette · 10-29-2004, 09:48 AM

"Football Against the Enemy" by Simon Kuper is great, addresses a lot of global rivalries.

If you're into the Dutch, read "Brilliant Orange: The Neurotic Genius of Dutch Football" by David Winner.

You can order them through Amazon, although I believe they have to get them from the UK.

mckid · 10-30-2004, 08:40 AM

Fever Pitch is very good. It's essentially a journal of the major events in the author's life and how those events tie into his obsession with Arsenal.

Another good one about the English game is 'The Glory Game.' The writer becomes apart of the Tottenham squad for a season. It's an inside look on the professional game back in the late 60s.

SoccerPrime · 11-01-2004, 10:30 AM

Is the nonexistent movie "Game of their Lives" based off a book?

Czar Jake · 11-05-2004, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil

I have been looking at "Fever Pitch" lately but haven't picked it up. Anyone know if it's any good?

Fever Pitch is excellent. It's smart, interesting, and entertaining. Nick Hornby does really good work (About a Boy, High Fidelity)... I have also seen the british movie which I liked despite it bearing almost no resemblance to the book. I'm sure you all probably heard that they are remaking it for American audiences about a Red Sox fan. I'll wait before I pass judgement.

On the other hand, I won't wait to criticize "Shall We Dance?" which they have clearly ruined. I admonish all to not see the new american Richard Gere version, but see the original Japanese version, it's a GREAT film. But I digress...

montgjules · 11-05-2004, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Czar Jake

Fever Pitch is excellent. It's smart, interesting, and entertaining. Nick Hornby does really good work (About a Boy, High Fidelity)... I have also seen the british movie which I liked despite it bearing almost no resemblance to the book. I'm sure you all probably heard that they are remaking it for American audiences about a Red Sox fan. I'll wait before I pass judgement.

On the other hand, I won't wait to criticize "Shall We Dance?" which they have clearly ruined. I admonish all to not see the new american Richard Gere version, but see the original Japanese version, it's a GREAT film. But I digress...

I'll digress with you. The original "Shall We Dance?" really was great. I'm sorry to hear that the new version doesn't hold up.

mckid · 11-05-2004, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoccerPrime

Is the nonexistent movie "Game of their Lives" based off a book?

Yes, a good read with the same title by Geoffrey Douglas. He goes through and profiles each player from the 1950 US team that upset England. It's another one of those 'wow, look at how far the game has come' kind of books.

Also, I meant to suggestion John Harkes' book 'Captain for Life.' It's essentially his side of the whole getting kicked off the national team experience. I finished it wanting to know more about what others had to say about interacting with Sampson. I hope that Harksie will someday come out with a sequal that talks about life after the national team, and after soccer.

Right now I'm working on Claudio Reyna's 'More Than Goals.' I'll post my thoughts when I get through with it.

If you can't already tell, I'm kind of a nerd.

Neil · 01-31-2005, 11:12 PM

I just read "White Angels" which chronicles Real Madrid with some focus on Beckham during his first year with the team. I loved it and I learned a lot about the Real players. I recommend picking it up if you can find it.

Jose Luis Luviano · 02-01-2005, 08:20 AM

The Captain Of The 2023 WWC Champions recommends "Winners Never Quit" by Mia Hamm.

BroncsBomber · 02-01-2005, 09:07 AM

I really enjoyed the book "More than Goals" by USMNT Captain Claudio Reyna.
He talks a lot about how to motivate young players and what he went through from playing backyard soccer to the World Cup and various european professional leagues. I think this is a must for people interested in supporting their youngsters participation in the sport. It also has some great drills to try at any level.